Florida's 16th Congressional District is one of the most veteran-rich districts in the state. From the renowned retirement community of Sun City Center — often called the most patriotic town in America — to the active military families in Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico, our district has an extraordinary concentration of men and women who have served our country. Their service deserves to be honored not just with words, but with action.
The State of VA Care in Our District
Despite the incredible sacrifices our veterans have made, too many are still waiting too long for the care they need. Veterans in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch often face long drives and longer wait times to access VA medical services. Mental health services are especially difficult to access, with some veterans waiting weeks for an appointment during their most vulnerable moments.
The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa serves as the primary VA medical center for our district, but its resources are stretched thin. Many veterans in Palmetto, Ellenton, and Parrish have told me that the system works well when you can get in, but getting in is the hard part.
My Commitment to Veterans
As your representative in Congress, I will make veterans' issues a top priority. Here is what I will fight for:
- Expanding the MISSION Act so that veterans in Sun City Center, Ruskin, and Apollo Beach can access private healthcare providers closer to home when VA wait times are unacceptable
- Increasing mental health resources including same-day crisis appointments, expanded telehealth services, and more community-based vet centers in Manatee and Hillsborough counties
- Fighting veteran homelessness by supporting housing-first programs and connecting veterans in Bradenton and Riverview with transitional housing and support services
- Improving transition services so that service members leaving active duty have a clear path to civilian careers, including apprenticeships and vocational training opportunities throughout our district
Honoring Their Service
I have met with veteran service organizations in Brandon, Valrico, and Lakewood Ranch, and the message is consistent: our veterans do not want handouts. They want the government to keep the promises it made when they raised their right hand and swore an oath. They want timely, quality healthcare. They want a fair shot at a good job. They want to know that their families will be taken care of.
These are reasonable expectations, and I believe it is the sacred obligation of every member of Congress to ensure they are met. The veterans of Florida's 16th District deserve a representative who will fight for them every single day. I intend to be that representative.
Learn more about my full veterans plan on the veterans issue page and explore the communities of our district.